Chapter 475 The First Envoy
Orval endured the excruciating pain as he fled in disgrace. He dared not linger a moment longer—who knew if Lancelot might suddenly decide to end his life with a single strike?
More urgently, he needed to report back about James's challenge to Lumaria's Ten Prodigies in six months.
This challenge, he realized, was merely a facade. Lancelot was using James as a weapon to eliminate Lumaria's younger generation.
If James killed the Ten Prodigies, Lumaria Martial practices would face a devastating succession gap, as these prodigies were carefully selected heirs to their traditions.
The scheme was sinister indeed. Orval could only rush back to devise countermeasures.
As soon as Orval vanished, more than a dozen vehicles arrived. Dozens of Lancelot's subordinates emerged, efficiently clearing the scene.
Within minutes, the bodies were buried, and fresh grass was laid to conceal the bloodstained ground, softening the brutal landscape.
Shortly after, Ruby, Milo, and Mia arrived. Seeing James alive and well, they rushed forward with excitement, embracing him joyfully.
Their shared ordeal had deepened their bonds considerably. Though James hadn't invested much energy in the Mystic Alliance, his connection with Mia and the others remained profound, bringing him genuine happiness.
Later, Kaida and Olivia appeared as well, celebrating James's victory with another round of cheers. The atmosphere grew warm, but Terrence knew the crisis wasn't over.
Lancelot's presence and his challenge to Lumaria indicated that James wasn't just a sacrificial pawn but someone Lancelot genuinely valued.
What troubled Terrence most was hearing the title "First Envoy." This signified not only Lancelot's closeness to James but also James's promotion by two ranks—from branch leader to Lancelot's right-hand man, placing James above Terrence himself.
Terrence had bullied James and thrown the Glowing Oasis Mystic Alliance into chaos precisely because of his higher rank and Law enforcement position. Now, with James stepping above him, Terrence felt both resentment and fear.
"Orval is gone, but three matters remain unresolved," Lancelot announced after personally bandaging James's wounds. He turned to face Terrence and Tessa.
"First, inform the Martial practices Association that from this day forward, I never want to see Tessa again. If Tessa remains with the Martial Arts Association, the Mystic Alliance will reject all requests and cooperation from the Association."
With these casual words, he ended Tessa's career at the Martial Arts Association.
Tessa and her companions blanched. Everyone knew that once Lancelot made this declaration, Tessa could no longer remain at the Association.
After all, countless honors—boxing championships, kickboxing titles, martial arts trophies—were almost entirely contributed by Mystic Alliance members.
"Lancelot, you can't do this," Tessa protested. "I've committed no wrong. You can't pressure the Martial Arts Association to dismiss me."
"Today's battle, while not a war between nations, had clear lines drawn between sides," Lancelot replied, his tone detached. "As Vice President of the Martial Arts Association, you bear the responsibility of spreading our spirit and inspiring our people's morale!"
"Instead, you bolstered others while diminishing our own standing. You repeatedly humiliated James to please Orval and his people." His authority brooked no argument. "Heaven may tolerate you, but I cannot!"
Tessa's face darkened as she objected, "Lancelot, I was considering the bigger picture—we share thin bonds that shouldn't be damaged."
"In a fair fight, what 'bigger picture' needs considering?" Lancelot asked mockingly. "If James had lost and Dane had taken his head, would you have stepped forward talking about the 'bigger picture'? Besides, why must we consider the bigger picture while Dane and his people act without restraint, ignoring it entirely?"
"That's different..." Tessa's eyelid twitched. "We're not as powerful as they are, so naturally we must tread carefully."
"Are you blind?" Lancelot laughed coldly. "Dane is dead, James lives—who exactly lacks power here?"
"But James didn't win by confronting him directly from the start," Tessa argued. "He relied on unorthodox footwork to evade and wear Dane down. I don't think that's proper."
"Who decreed that one cannot dodge in battle? Who mandated direct confrontation only?" Lancelot countered sharply. "If I came at them with a hundred-foot blade, would Dane and his people stand foolishly in place, offering their heads instead of dodging?"
"Are you insulting your own intelligence, or calling us stupid? Besides, who told you James's footwork was unorthodox? He was using the Wind and Cloud Steps from the Celestial Horizon Collective's secret manual."
"As the liaison between the Mystic Alliance and various factions, if you don't even recognize the Wind and Cloud Steps of Celestial Mountain, what qualifications do you have to remain at the Martial Arts Association?"
His decision was final: "You have three days to leave, or I will completely blacklist the Martial Arts Association."
Tessa fell silent, her face pale. She knew her career was over. James was startled, surprised that Lancelot had recognized the origin of his footwork technique.
"The second matter..." Lancelot walked to Terrence and slapped him hard across the face.
Terrence couldn't defend himself and dared not resist. He cried out in pain as he fell, then crawled back up with a forced smile. "Lancelot."
"Terrence, you've abused your authority for personal gain, aided the wicked, condoned Atticus's bullying, and caused internal bloodshed among our members," Lancelot said, wiping his hands with a tissue.
"Today, you further disregarded the Mystic Alliance's interests by belittling the Glowing Oasis leader and cheering for Lumaria. Your crimes are grievous."
"According to Mystic Alliance law, you deserve execution! However, I will not kill you. Your fate and life will be determined when the new head of Law enforcement takes office."
Terrence had been ashen-faced, certain of his death, but his eyes brightened at these final words.
The Law enforcement position was traditionally held by a member of the elder council—almost all of whom were his good friends. This meant he still had a chance to survive.
As Mystic Alliance members took Terrence into custody, Lancelot turned to James and spoke calmly:
"The third matter... James has performed admirably in unifying the Glowing Oasis Mystic Alliance and fearlessly dealing with Atticus. Today's battle has further enhanced the Mystic Alliance's prestige."
"From this moment forward, James will no longer serve as the Glowing Oasis leader. Ruby will assume that position, with Mia and Milo as deputies."
"James will become the Mystic Alliance's First Envoy, taking charge of Law enforcement and overseeing all thirty-six states and their branch leaders."
"You need not obey any branch leader, hall master, or elder. You answer to me alone."
"This is the Mystic Alliance's first token, recognized unanimously by the Five Families and Three Cornerstones. I grant you the authority to act as needed."
Lancelot handed James a nearly transparent token.
"Should anyone disobey, you may execute first and report afterward."
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